Antoine Griezmann two goals lead Atlético to its Third UEFA Europa League trophy

LYON, France — Antoine Griezmann scored a goal in each half to lead Atlético Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Joventus for its third UEFA Europa League trophy in nine seasons. He was named named UEFA Europa League final man of the match by UEFA’s technical observers.

Griezmann scored Atlético’s first goal, a low finish that deceived Steve Mandanda, the second a cute chip over the keeper. It gave the French striker six goals for the UEFA Europa League season.

“I’ve been working to experience a moment like this for many years,” said the 27-year-old. “I left home when I was 14 wanting to win titles. After two losses [in the UEFA Champions League] I was determined to take the opportunity to win one. I didn’t want to miss out.”
Griezmann is the ninth player to score twice in a one-off UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League final – no one has managed a hat-trick.

Thomas Schaaf, representing their technical observer group, said: “In addition to his composed finishes for the opening goals, he showed quality in possession and an impressive work rate without the ball.”

MORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Gabi’s late goal was his first for Atleti since August 2015; his first in UEFA club competition since 2011; and at 34 he is the oldest player to net in a UEFA Europa League final.

Atlético have moved alongside Internazionale, Juventus and Liverpool on three UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League triumphs. Only five-time winners Sevilla have more.
Spanish sides have won six of the nine trophies in the UEFA Europa League era: Sevilla (3) and Atlético (3).

Gabi, Diego Godín, Koke and Juanfran enjoyed second final wins having claimed the trophy under Simeone in 2011/12. A substitute tonight, Filipe Luís was also part of both victories.

This was Marseille’s third UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League final defeat. The only other team to have lost three and not lifted the trophy are Benfica.